State Agency

The USDA Foods in Schools program supports domestic nutrition programs and American agricultural producers through purchases of 100% American-grown and -produced foods for use by schools and institutions participating in the following nutrition programs:

• National School Lunch Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• Summer Food Service Program

USDA Foods Programs

USDA Foods are available to child nutrition programs in three ways: direct delivery, USDA Foods Processing, and the USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. In addition, USDA is currently operating a pilot project for procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables. The following resources provide more information on the foods available and the methods of distribution:

• Direct Delivery
• USDA Foods Processing
• USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
• Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables

USDA Foods in Schools Products

• USDA Foods Available List for Schools and Institutions
• USDA Foods Database
• USDA Foods Product Information Sheets
• Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs

USDA Foods in Your State

FNS provides states with a catalog of product offerings each school year. States place orders based on local school district input, or allow the districts to place orders for available products directly into USDA’s online food ordering system.

If you have suggestions for additional products you would like to see offered through USDA Foods, please send your ideas to USDAFoods@usda.gov. New products must meet the criteria outlined in the following resource:

• How to Get Your Product Considered for USDA Foods